EDMOND, Okla. (Feb. 18, 2023) – Central Oklahoma opened the basketball game with seven straight points and Northeastern State never caught up, falling 72-57 to the Bronchos on Saturday afternoon at Hamilton Field House.

The loss, combined with a Newman (Kan.) win over Rogers State, eliminated NSU (6-18, 3-17 MIAA) from contention for a spot in the 10-team MIAA postseason tournament. NSU has two regular-season games remaining, at home Thursday against Lincoln (Mo.) and next Saturday against Central Missouri.

UCO (10-14, 7-13) jumped to a 19-8 lead after one quarter. The RiverHawks closed within 27-20 by halftime and came within 27-22 after Jaylee Kindred opened the second half with a layup.

But the Bronchos answered with six straight points and gradually pulled away, building their biggest lead at 60-34 with 9:20 left. NSU chipped away at that deficit the rest of the way to pull within 15 points by game's end.

Ashton Hackler led the RiverHawks with 17 points and seven rebounds – finishing 4 of 8 from 3-point range. Courtney Lee posted her sixth double-double of the season (and second in a row) for NSU with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Alayzha Knapp led four UCO players in double figures in scoring, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.

NSU and UCO split their two-game series this season, as the RiverHawks won 60-59 in the game played in Tahlequah. NSU still leads the all-time series 40-34.